WCW: Heart and Soul

tg01 · August 7, 2018

Fan Scorecard:

World Heavyweight Championship: Rey Mysterio Jr. vs. The Unnatural {©}

"The Hellraiser" Steve Austin vs. King Corino-No contest

United States Heavyweight Championship: "Big Poppa Pump" Scott Steiner vs. Rob Van Dam {©}

World Tag Team Championship: The Jung Dragons vs. The Unbound {©}

World Television Championship: ??? vs. Bobby Roode {©}

Cruiserweight Championship: Chavo Guerrero Jr. vs. Hayabusa vs. Jamie Knoble {©}

Stu Hart Classic, Second Round in the A Block: AJ Styles vs. Shane Douglas

Stu Hart Classic, Second Round in the A Block: Lance Storm vs. Brian Kendrick

Stu Hart Classic, Second Round in the B Block: Eddie Guerrero vs. Sean O'Haire-while I think we're getting Eddie vs. Rey at Starrcade, I'm not so sure it will be for the belt.....

Stu Hart Classic, Second Round in the B Block: Sting vs. Christopher Daniels

What will be match of the night? The World title match

How many championships will change hands? 0...I predict Bobby Roode loses by DQ when his opponent is attacked.....

Will the Austin vs. Corino match take place? No....still one more PPV before Starrcade.....so November is where Austin beats Corino

Who will be Roode's mystery challenger? Matt Hardy

General diary comments/questions/critiques: I've spent some time getting caught up, thankfully not too long since it seems you have gone on a few breaks along the way, and I"m liking the new format!

ViperVenom · October 17, 2018

Really enjoyed this Dynasty. Is it going to resume???

The Final Countdown · October 18, 2018

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="ViperVenom" data-cite="ViperVenom" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Really enjoyed this Dynasty. Is it going to resume???</div></blockquote> Yes, it will. I know things have gotten off the rails in recent months, but I promise I haven't abandoned this. Shortly after I got back from my vacation in late June, my hours at work have started going up. That's good news for my paycheck, but not so great for my free time as well as my energy and motivation to sit down and write when I have the time to do so. I'm not sure when Halloween Havoc will be posted. In addition to my work, I've committed to another writing project that will monopolize most of whatever writing time I have for the next month or so. But it WILL come...eventually. I still have lots of stories that I want to tell here, and hopefully you guys will keep coming back even if my posting schedule continues to be less consistent and more erratic.

Neoteros · October 20, 2018

I devoured this diary over the last few days, it's quite well done. <img alt="" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/tongue.png.ceb643b2956793497cef30b0e944be28.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />

I'm glad about how WCW has bounced back, less so about how every single company in Japan is going under - I suppose that with WWE losing ground in the West, they looked for a new market in the East. How's John Cena doing? Without him, I wonder who will Vince try to push as the face of the company in the future, since his top stars all peaked a few years ago in game, and you signed most of the young male and female talent. Don't sign Cena though, he doesn't fit your WCW.

kinnikuniverse · October 20, 2018

Don't worry, TFC, we'll make sure this diary doesn't get bumped! It's too good to be left alone!

On another note, I think you should keep a close eye on Austin Aries. What he did at bound for glory was simply irredeemable! Not even Hogan would ruin a match like that! WTF happened to the Aries I knew from ROH?

DGenerationMC · October 20, 2018

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="kinnikuniverse" data-cite="kinnikuniverse" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>WTF happened to the Aries I knew from ROH?</div></blockquote> He became his own personal Jesus. Alright, I'll show myself out.

KnowYourEnemy · October 20, 2018

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="kinnikuniverse" data-cite="kinnikuniverse" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Don't worry, TFC, we'll make sure this diary doesn't get bumped! It's too good to be left alone! On another note, I think you should keep a close eye on Austin Aries. What he did at bound for glory was simply irredeemable! Not even Hogan would ruin a match like that! WTF happened to the Aries I knew from ROH?</div></blockquote> My first thought upon hearing the card was that Russo somehow snaked his way back into the company. This "angle" would be vintage late WCW Russo. That being said, Impact has never had the best reputation for treating their workers right. Wouldn't be surprised if Aries got stiffed.

The Final Countdown · November 5, 2018

October 19th, 2003: Halloween Havoc <div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="S8R6TjK.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/S8R6TjK.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> October 19th, 2003 From Bulldog Stadium in Fresno, California Attendance: 37,740 Announce Team: "The Professor" Mike Tenay and Bret "The Hitman" Hart <img alt="2nqjRO5.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/2nqjRO5.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="nG8aWZm.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/nG8aWZm.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> Official Theme Song: <iframe width="560" height="315" src="<a href="https://www.youtube.com/embed/hpczwtWbdO0" rel="external nofollow">https://www.youtube.com/embed/hpczwtWbdO0"</a> frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen></iframe> </div> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">Stu Hart Classic: Second Round in Group A Lance Storm vs. Brian Kendrick <img alt="heiyf1p.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/heiyf1p.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />http://i.imgur.com/EiVoLiY.jpg<img alt="waBVEEI.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/waBVEEI.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div> No talking here; we opened up with some wrestling right away. Obviously Storm is a real workhorse for us, and Kendrick has shown loads of potential already. These two had the job of opening the show off hot, and they succeeded. Brian was good, and I thought he showed some improved aggression as he worked Storm over with some brawling. As for Lance, he was borderline great in this match. While this wasn't a show stealer or anything, the match did exactly what it needed to do. Kendrick got progressively more cocky the more offense he got in, and that arrogance led to him making several youthful mistakes that the veteran Storm was more than capable of making the most of. When Brian took far too much time to taunt and play to the crowd as he had his opponent's head hooked for the Sliced Bread, Storm broke free, took him down to the mat and slapped on the Calgary Clutch for the submission win. <div style="text-align:center;">Grade: 80</div></div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="IyPxuzp.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/IyPxuzp.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="lAlFtSW.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/lAlFtSW.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div> After the match, we cut to a backstage hallway where CM Punk had been watching on a monitor. He pumped his fist and applauded his partner's victory, and then Bryan Danielson happened to pass by. The two got into a bit of a "friendly" argument about their second round match tomorrow night. I wanted them to establish that there was no true animosity between them, but still there was tension there just because both of them badly wanted to win the match and move on to the next round. I let them improvise it all, which is something Punk always wants anyway. His delivery was fine, but Danielson's was honestly exceptional as he more than kept up with Punk's off the cuff lines. The fans seemed to react well to Danielson matter-of-factly calling himself a superior technical wrestler, and Punk getting in a verbal jab about Bryan losing the Cruiserweight title went over well too. This was just supposed to be filler, an excuse to get both of these guys on the show while also promoting a match for tomorrow's Nitro, but it wound up being one heck of a segment. <div style="text-align:center;">Grade: 92</div></div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">Stu Hart Classic: Second Round in Group B Eddie Guerrero vs. Sean O'Haire <img alt="JJHE89M.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/JJHE89M.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />http://i.imgur.com/EiVoLiY.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/zbQxlTu.jpg </div> As this match started, Mike and I sold the idea that these might be the two tournament entrants who were most desperate for a win, with O'Haire's title challenge coming up short and Guerrero feeling like it should've been him wrestling for the title tonight. That story carried over into their work, with both guys selling how much they wanted to win not only with their moves, but their facial expressions and body language. It honestly went better than I expected, especially since they're both babyfaces. While the fans may not have had anyone to roundly boo, they still loved the match based on the performances of the guys involved. Eddie was great, no surprise there, as he used everything he could think of against the bigger man. That obviously included high flying, as well as some ground wrestling to avoid his power, and even some little veteran tricks to try and gain the upper hand by any means necessary. But even though Eddie was the standout of the match and the one who I trusted to call it in the ring as the ring general, O'Haire wasn't too far behind him. He was borderline great himself, doing his usual impressive power spots as he tossed the lighter Guerrero around the ring, and I swear he looked more agile than usual when he worked in some spots to showcase his athleticism. While this wasn't the best match on the show, it was damn good. With two men desperate for a win and pulling out all the stops to try and move on to the Quarterfinals, it was ultimately going to come down to execution in the critical moment. Guerrero picked his spot, waited for an opening and took the big man's legs out from under him with a chop block. He took that opportunity to hurry over to the corner for the Frog Splash--but O'Haire was somehow already back on his feet! He caught Eddie out of mid-air, flipped him over onto his shoulders and nailed the Widow Maker for the minor upset! <div style="text-align:center;">Grade: 88 http://i.imgur.com/fn8zdsQ.jpg</div> Moments after the match, The Unnatural appeared on the video screen with Father Isaac standing behind him. He shook his head and lamented Eddie's loss. "I know you feel crushed right now. You feel like your whole world is crashing down around you. Deep down, you know that you should be the one challenging me for the heavyweight championship of the world tonight. You know that you did the work in War Games, only for your supposed friend to swoop in and snatch the opportunity right out of your grasp. And now you've tasted the bitter sting of defeat against another desperate man. You had another avenue, another, harder road back into the title picture, but now even that is closed to you. "But take heart, Eduardo! You shall not be alone in your despair. Your friend's greed and theft will not be rewarded. Tonight I will defeat Rey Mysterio Jr. and ensure that he experiences the same dejection you currently feel. And perhaps that common ground will be enough to repair the recent tension between you two. Or perhaps not. Either way I will take solace in knowing I have done my part." Dustin delivered a really compelling promo here with some good improvised lines, and Father Isaac's quiet presence and silent approval helped lend weight to The Unnatural's message. If there is any complaint to be made about this promo it would be that I started to get the feeling that it might be time to make some tweaks to the character to keep things fresh, but that didn't stop this from being a home run. <div style="text-align:center;">Grade: 100</div></div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">http://i.imgur.com/u0cJ04Z.jpg Chavo Guerrero Jr. vs. Hayabusa vs. Jamie Knoble (w/Tammy Sytch) {©} <img alt="0qRNVUJ.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/0qRNVUJ.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />http://i.imgur.com/EiVoLiY.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/p13CqOT.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/EiVoLiY.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/CCq92jB.jpg<img alt="wZR2OGz.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/wZR2OGz.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div> With his skills and his rising popularity, I was trusting Knoble to stand out in this match and he did just that. While Hayabusa's high flying got over fairly well, and Chavo's mix of flying and technical wrestling a bit better than that, it was Knoble who shined the brightest with some great technical wrestling that drew the crowd in. Thanks in no small part to his presence, this match was more well received than most cruiserweight title matches are. In fact, it would've been the best in a year or more if it wasn't for the classic Knoble had with Bryan Danielson just last month. This wasn't on that level, but it was still darn good. To the surprise of most, it was Knoble who was actually the first eliminated when the two challengers successfully double teamed him, finishing him with a Chavo brainbuster immediately followed by Hayabusa's Stardust Press. That left Guerrero and Hayabusa to battle it out amongst themselves to decide who would become the new champion. The two went back and forth, the match seesawing with plenty of near-falls on both sides, but in the end Chavo got his knees up to block the Stardust Press and then hit another brainbuster to become a 3-time Cruiserweight Champion. <div style="text-align:center;">Grade: 84</div></div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="dIHv4ym.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/dIHv4ym.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="tUGU31v.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/tUGU31v.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div> Steve Austin was in Arn Anderson's office, with the authority figure expressing his concern about allowing Austin's match against King Corino to proceed as scheduled after the parking lot assault Monday on Nitro. Austin told him there was no way in hell he wasn't going to fight Corino tonight. If Arn refused to let him do it in the ring, he'd just do it somewhere else, whether it be The Empire's dressing room, the parking lot, or hell, he'd even beat Corino up on the crapper if that's what it took! Arn was still very reluctant, but since the medical staff said the injury wasn't severe enough to require surgery, the match was still on. Both guys were free to improvise here. Austin did decently, and his overall performance was fantastic as the crowd ate up whatever he said. There wasn't anything that particularly stood out, good or bad, when it came to Arn's actual delivery, but he was very underwhelming overall when measured against Steve. Fantastic segment though, as per usual whenever Austin's on screen. <div style="text-align:center;">Grade: 100</div></div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">http://i.imgur.com/BSCxEF8.jpg<img alt="Zbmlytw.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/Zbmlytw.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div> Roode and Flair came to the ring for the scheduled TV title defense, and they said it didn't matter which member of the roster accepted the open challenge because there wasn't one man in WCW who could take the championship from him. Flair invited the victim to come on down so they could get title defense #5 out of the way and Roode could officially be halfway to cashing in for a US title match (or a third of the way to the 15 needed for a world title match.) Out came the challenger... <div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="bH5oivJ.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/bH5oivJ.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div> Matt Hardy! The confidence from moments ago was gone, with Roode shaking his head adamantly and Flair arguing with the referee that Hardy already had his title shot last month at War Games and failed, so he shouldn't be eligible. But as we pointed out on commentary, they'd issued the open challenge to any member of the roster, so Roode and Flair had no leg to stand on here. During this segment I started to think that it was past time to move Roode on from his current obnoxious gimmick, which never really clicked with fans in the first place. <div style="text-align:center;">Grade: 78 <img alt="rrRBDgP.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/rrRBDgP.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> Matt Hardy vs. Bobby Roode (w/Ric Flair) {©} <img alt="bH5oivJ.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/bH5oivJ.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />http://i.imgur.com/EiVoLiY.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/BSCxEF8.jpg<img alt="Zbmlytw.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/Zbmlytw.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div> I didn't really trust either of these guys to lead or put a match together, so I had our road agents script out a specific plan for them to follow. That plan saw Roode go into total stall mode, wrestling defensively, minimizing the risk to himself, going to the floor, arguing with the referee and just in general doing whatever he could to try and waste time. He was good in that role, and Matt was great as the pursuer. The time limit had run out on him last month because he was too focused on beating Roode up when he thought he'd been the one to ambush his brother backstage, but this time around he was focused solely on the title. He impatiently chased Roode around and tried to keep the action in the center of the ring. It was a simple story to tell and a common trope for the TV title over the years, but I thought some of the things they did actually interfered with the story we were trying to tell, and because of that this match wasn't quite as good as their better-than-expected match at War Games. When the announcement rang out that we'd hit the fourteen minute mark in the match, Roode knew he only needed to kill sixty more seconds to be saved by the bell for the second month in a row. He broke away from Matt's lockup with a thumb to the eye, then rolled out to the floor. Flair stepped in front of him to block Matt from coming out to get him, and Hardy, knowing he couldn't let things continue as they were, threw caution to the wind and performed a flipping suicide dive, jumping clear over Flair and onto Roode! He quickly dragged Roode back into the ring and nailed the Twist of Fate! Flair climbed onto the apron to distract the referee and kill the clock, but the ref understood the circumstances and ignored him to count the pin instead! Hardy got the win with an official match time of 14:45, and we had a new World Television Champion! <div style="text-align:center;">Grade: 82</div></div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">"The Hellraiser" Steve Austin vs. King Corino (w/Tammy Sytch) <img alt="dIHv4ym.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/dIHv4ym.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />http://i.imgur.com/EiVoLiY.jpg<img alt="ZZPLj6h.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/ZZPLj6h.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="wZR2OGz.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/wZR2OGz.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div> This match started off hot, with Austin sprinting down the ramp, tackling Corino and pummeling him with punches. But the fast and furious start was only temporary, because after Corino blocked a clothesline and drove Austin's injured arm into the mat with a single arm DDT, things settled into a far more deliberate pace. That was intentional on their part though. They knew they were getting plenty of match time to slowly build things up, and they crafted a compelling story centered around Austin's legitimate arm injury. Corino worked over the arm with blows, slams and submission holds, and got plenty of heat by using heel tactics to cut off any of Austin's brief comeback attempts. It's a simple and well-used formula in wrestling but it still works to this day, especially when done by workers as talented and over with the crowd as these two. The fans gave Corino plenty of heat and cheered the uber-popular Hellraiser on, willing him to make his comeback. Corino was excellent as the heel on top, and Austin was simply flawless. The comeback finally started in earnest when Austin broke free of an armbar with a well-placed elbow to the jaw, then hit a succession of clotheslines (using his good arm), dropping Corino every time he got back up. Corino staggered back towards the corner, with Austin pursuing him with punches and kicks. When Corino's back was against the buckles Austin continued to throw punches, ignoring referee Nick Patrick's repeated warnings. Patrick finally stepped in to physically pull Austin back, situating himself in between the two combatants. As Austin argued with Patrick, Corino gave the referee a hard shove in the back, causing his skull to collide with Austin's. It affected both of them; Austin dropped down to one knee, groggy, but obviously Nick was completely incapacitated. The fans kept an eye on the entrance ramp after that, and sure enough... <div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="oWRzmsy.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/oWRzmsy.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div> Out came Goldberg! He charged down the ramp, stood in the corner and measured Austin, waiting to lay him out with a massive spear as soon as he got back to his feet... But Austin dove out of the way at the last possible second, and it was Corino who ate the spear instead! Austin clotheslined a shocked Goldberg over the top rope and to the floor. He probably could've simply covered Corino as soon as Nick Patrick recovered, but instead he decided to deliver a parting shot by pulling the Empire leader to his feet and dropping a Stunner. Then, and only then, did he hook the leg and win the match. <div style="text-align:center;">Grade: 99</div> Austin celebrated in the ring as The Empire regrouped on the floor. Austin stood on the second rope and dared them to come in for more, but Corino showed no interest in that. He yelled at Goldberg about the spear before shoving past him and departing. Goldberg remained on the floor, looking into the ring, and he and Austin had a lengthy staredown. Austin did plenty of off-mic trash talking and stood ready for a fight, but Goldberg just glared at him before slowly going back up the aisle. The fans gave Austin and Goldberg the superstar treatment and were white hot for the idea of a showdown, but the time wasn't right just yet. <div style="text-align:center;">Grade: 100</div></div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">Stu Hart Classic: Second Round in Group A "The Phenomenal" AJ Styles vs. Shane Douglas (w/Paul Heyman) <img alt="ICMDAHo.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/ICMDAHo.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />http://i.imgur.com/EiVoLiY.jpg<img alt="eTShQmA.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/eTShQmA.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="dcrMvyP.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/dcrMvyP.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div> The previous match and angle were going to be a tough act to follow. This was the fourth singles match between these two in their careers. All three previous bouts had been great, with each one being a slight step forward from the one that came before, but unfortunately this one suffered a major regression. It wasn't an awful match, but it was a disappointment given the talent level as well as what they've done together in the past. It's not like there was anything to complain about with either of their individual performances (Shane was very good and AJ was great), so I can't even identify what the problem was. I guess we'll just have to chalk this one up as one of those things that's impossible to figure out. Paul Heyman gave plenty of encouragement and guidance to Douglas, telling him to "rearrange (AJ's) pretty face", but he didn't have much opportunity to actually get involved on Shane's behalf. AJ was focused on the task at hand, and Mike and I complimented his focus as he stuck to his game plan and didn't get sidetracked trying to make Douglas pay for interfering and costing him the US title last month at War Games. Instead he was all about using his athleticism to try and punch his ticket into the Quarterfinals, and punch it he did after finishing Douglas with the Spiral Tap. <div style="text-align:center;">Grade: 79</div></div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="g1BYlVy.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/g1BYlVy.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />http://i.imgur.com/4Hgahfk.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/4CP35O5.jpg</div> Jeff Hardy came out to the ring for the answers Father Isaac promised to give him. Isaac had The Destroyer with him "for his own protection", but the two of them did join Jeff in the ring. Isaac told Jeff that despite what he might believe, they didn't attack him because they wanted to destroy his career. On the contrary, they wanted to SAVE it. Isaac performed somewhat poorly here, and Mike Tenay's attempt to call Isaac a liar on commentary failed as well. Jeff wasn't buying it either. He grabbed Isaac by the lapels of his jacket, and that was the cue for this angle to really get going. "Stop this!" shouted a familiar voice over the microphone. <div style="text-align:center;">http://i.imgur.com/fn8zdsQ.jpg</div> The Unnatural hurried down to the ring, and Jeff released his hold on Isaac to prepare for a two on one attack from the champion and Destroyer. It didn't happen though, because Unnatural was only there to talk. He came across well here, as he usually does these days. He said that Isaac was blameless in all of this because it had actually been his decision to attack Jeff at the Japan Supershow. "And why did we do it, you might ask? As Isaac said, we had your best interests at heart. Later that very night I was due to shatter the dreams of Sean O'Haire, a promising talent who had parlayed great success as Television champion into a chance to challenge me for the heavyweight championship of the world. And as we all know, his destiny was to come up short. As I feared, that loss has mentally broken poor Sean. How could I allow the same to happen to you, Jeffrey? It was no secret to me that you were the most talented man in that four way match to crown a new TV champion, and I believed that there was a good chance you would not only win the title, but follow O'Haire's path by successfully defending it fifteen times and then challenging me. I couldn't do it, Jeffrey. I couldn't break your spirit like that, and that is why I got together with my Salvation brothers and dealt you that minor blow to prevent a catastrophic failure in the future. Hate if you must, Jeffrey, but leave my brothers out of it. Direct your hate solely at me, because I am strong enough to take it." <div style="text-align:center;">Grade: 92</div></div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">Stu Hart Classic: Second Round in Group B Sting vs. "Fallen Angel" Christopher Daniels <img alt="womNFVP.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/womNFVP.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />http://i.imgur.com/EiVoLiY.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/GoltiY2.jpg </div> As is routine by now, we focused on storytelling here to try and mask Sting's physical weaknesses. He unfortunately was pretty subpar, but I thought Daniels was very good at leading him through it. The match was pretty solid; one of Sting's best all year in fact. Chris did a good job letting Sting get his signature spots in and building fan support for the longtime WCW mainstay, but youth was served when Daniels hit the Angel's Descent to set up a somewhat unlikely quarterfinal match against Sean O'Haire. <div style="text-align:center;">Grade: 83</div></div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">http://i.imgur.com/S0cu0uO.jpg The Jung Dragons (w/Stacy Keibler) vs. The Unbound (w/Father Isaac) {©} <img alt="paNPh85.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/paNPh85.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="frhLUo7.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/frhLUo7.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="CtEcIzq.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/CtEcIzq.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />http://i.imgur.com/EiVoLiY.jpg<img alt="CsQnr5C.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/CsQnr5C.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />http://i.imgur.com/ptxupoY.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/hSGqVHg.jpg</div> Since the Jung Dragons had plenty of momentum and were logical challengers after beating the Steiner Brothers at War Games, I went ahead and set this match up even though both teams were heels. The match suffered both in crowd heat and psychology as a result, with both teams out of their element without faces to play off of. I expected that, and had no problem with it since I didn't feel we needed this match to be a standout given the strength elsewhere on the card. Yet despite not necessarily needing it, we got something pretty tremendous here anyway. The Dragons pulled off some great high flying and looked impressive as sort of faces by default, and Alexander was great as well at heeling it up, but the true star was Mortis. He was completely flawless, from his crisp execution of moves to his ability to generate a reaction from the fans. If it weren't for his previous issues with drugs making him a bit of a risk, he'd be a strong candidate to become an upper echelon singles heel. Even if the fans couldn't completely invest in the Dragons due to their usual heel presentation, they got into the near falls and popped for the idea of new champions being crowned. Alas, Yang failed to connect with Yang Time and fell victim to the Fatal Flatliner, with Alexander holding Hayashi off while Mortis made the cover. <div style="text-align:center;">Grade: 88</div></div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">http://i.imgur.com/hlbUlLo.jpg<img alt="m936mtC.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/m936mtC.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div> Shane Helms was dejected in his backstage interview with new addition Becky Bayless. Becky's bubbly babyface personality was pretty well received, but Shane was the opposite of bubbly. He said that he was supposed to be a leading man, one of WCW's top stars in the new millennium, but nothing was going his way anymore. He blamed "that hussy" (Kimberly Page) for getting him sidetracked, and said that he was so sure that his match against Scott Steiner this past Monday was going to be his big chance to get his name back in the headlines. Instead he was used as nothing more than target practice, a mere warm-up for Steiner to toss around to try and send a message to Rob Van Dam! What was he supposed to do now? "What are you supposed to do now? I'll tell you what you're supposed to do now!" <div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="yaQ7UIE.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/yaQ7UIE.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div> Buff Bagwell strutted into the camera shot and said he knew exactly what Shane needed, and if Helms followed his lead he'd get his career exactly where he wanted it to go. Intrigued, Shane followed him off-set for further discussion. This was just a short, transitional segment to finally give both of these guys something to do. <div style="text-align:center;">Grade: 63</div></div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">http://i.imgur.com/mitTbCm.jpg "Big Poppa Pump" Scott Steiner vs. Rob Van Dam (w/Paul Heyman) {©} http://i.imgur.com/k45HPCq.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/EiVoLiY.jpg<img alt="P2oAF93.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/P2oAF93.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="dcrMvyP.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/dcrMvyP.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div> This was the first singles match between these two since SuperBrawl XII in February 2002, when RVD followed up his win in the main event of Starrcade two months earlier by retaining his World Heavyweight Championship. A lot has changed since then, including the title they're fighting for, the face/heel alignments and the manager in the corner of the heel (trading out Midajah for Paul Heyman, which is a big improvement in sheer presence even if its a major downgrade visually.) One thing that hasn't changed was a fairly disappointing end result hampered by the lack of a ring general to piece together a strong story that captivated the crowd. Scotty was great and RVD was nearly perfect, yet the match was much less than the sum of its parts. Steiner busted out every suplex in the book, and I thought RVD did a nice job bumping around for him and putting him over as a force to be reckoned with. They even teased a tap out via Steiner Recliner until RVD made it to the ropes, though the moment didn't mean as much as it would have if they'd told a more gripping story. But in the end the result was the same as it had been in their first two matches: RVD got his hand raised, this time via the Five Star Frog Splash, and made the first defense of his US title. <div style="text-align:center;">Grade: 81</div></div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">http://i.imgur.com/ffZqipS.jpg<img alt="JJHE89M.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/JJHE89M.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="0qRNVUJ.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/0qRNVUJ.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div> Rey Mysterio Jr. received some last second motivation from Chavo Guerrero Jr, who encouraged him to go and take back the world title the same way Chavo had become a 3-time Cruiserweight champion earlier in the night. Eddie had been sitting in the corner of the locker room with his head down, obviously dejected after getting knocked out of the Stu Hart Classic earlier, but he did get up to give Rey a hug and tell him to "go get it." Chavo was very underwhelming here, as he just doesn't look like he belongs on the same screen with his friend Rey or his Uncle Eddie. <div style="text-align:center;">Grade: 90</div></div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">http://i.imgur.com/haJKoFv.jpg Rey Mysterio Jr. vs. The Unnatural {©} (w/Father Isaac) http://i.imgur.com/ffZqipS.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/EiVoLiY.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/fn8zdsQ.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/hSGqVHg.jpg</div> Mike and I made a big deal of playing up the fact that The Unnatural won the World title from Rey in a triple threat match, and it had actually been Eddie Guerrero who pinned and eliminated Mysterio in that match. How would The Unnatural fare now that it was one on one, as it had been at January's Sin when Rey retained the title against him? That match at Sin was enormous for Dustin's career. It was supposed to be a one month "filler" title challenge on a B PPV but he handled himself so well that I refigured him into my main event plans, and here we stand. Both guys were clearly keen to recapture that same magic as we settled in here. I gave them nearly a half hour and just let them go, trusting they would pace things out well and could gauge the crowd and adjust their storytelling on the fly. They didn't let me down. If Sin had been a coming out party for Dustin and validation for Rey that I hadn't been wrong in putting the title on him at Starrcade, this was two guys secure in their main event positions delivering what was expected of them. Rey was great, and Unnatural was even better. I think one thing that may have put this match over the top and helped it inch past their great Sin bout was some increased fire from Rey as he brought the intensity in some key spots. After an early flurry of quick-strike offense from Rey, Unnatural was able to yank him down by his mask and largely control with mat wrestling and some aggressive brawling and heel tactics. He couldn't hold Rey down forever though. The challenger slipped out of an attempt at Unnatural Selection, pulled off a drop toehold that caused Unnatural's head to bounce off of the middle turnbuckle, and snapped off a hurricanrana for a near-fall. Unnatural popped back to his feet and tried to drop his feisty challenger with a lariat, but Rey turned it around on him into a tilt-a-whirl headscissors. A punch was blocked and turned into a Japanese-style arm drag, and a wild charge was met with a dropkick to the chest. Everything Unnatural tried, Rey was ready for. The momentum was firmly in the masked man's favor, and Father Isaac could feel the title slipping away from Salvation control. In desperation he climbed onto the ring apron, hoping to distract Rey and give Unnatural some much-needed time to regroup. <div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="JJHE89M.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/JJHE89M.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div> Eddie raced down the ramp, and when Isaac saw him coming he actually darted through the ropes and into the ring. Eddie tried to go after him, but Nick Patrick got between them to try and hold onto whatever scrap of control he still had left. As the three of them argued and Rey watched in bemusement, Unnatural snuck a steel chair into the ring and prepared to ambush his opponent with it. Eddie saw it coming though, and broke away from the ongoing argument between Isaac and Patrick to yank the chair out of his hands. Unnatural fell to his knees and backed into the corner, begging for mercy. Eddie glared at him--then swung the chair in the other direction, connecting with a (protected) chair shot to the face of Mysterio! Unnatural looked as surprised as anyone as Eddie left the ring and walked back up the ramp, carrying the chair with him, his face blank as he was showered with boos. Thus his heel turn was completed, and it was a home run for sure. He may not have been expecting the help, but the opportunistic champion was more than happy to pull his unconscious opponent to his feet and deliver Unnatural Selection to retain his title. <div style="text-align:center;">Grade: 99</div></div></blockquote> <div style="text-align:center;">Show Overall Grade: 100</div> <hr noshade size=3> After a much longer wait than anyone expected, myself included, here's Halloween Havoc! It'll probably be pretty slow going at least through the end of the year. Things may slow down for me a bit as we get into 2019, giving me more time and energy to write, but either way I certainly don't expect to go another six months between PPVs! <img alt=":eek:" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/eek.png.0e09df00fa222c85760b9bc1700b5405.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />

DGenerationMC · November 5, 2018

My man, TFC, back with a vengeance.

DHK1989 · November 5, 2018

Welcome back, TFC! And what a great show to come back to. I was surprised to see Eddie and Shane lose their matches. Can't wait to see what you do with Eddie's heel turn. <img alt="

" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/smile.png.142cfa0a1cd2925c0463c1d00f499df2.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />

kinnikuniverse · November 5, 2018

WOOHOO!! TFC IS BACK!!

Man, I didn't expect Eddie to lose. The heel turn was somewhat expected, as Eddie has always been better as the lying, cheating, stealing heel he usually is.

Hayabusa for cruiserweight champ or I riot!

Matt as TV champ? Alright! Mattitude might be coming!

Wonder what you're gonna do with Shane...

By the way, how's your dev Fed going? Any words on Samoa joe in michinoku pro? Is dragon gate gonna exists, either via editor or naturally?

Dragons will reign, just you wait!

KNOBLEMANIA WILL BOUNCE BACK!! It's inevitable!

Can't wait for the next post!

BTW, you should check out wrestle-1. They have lots of good young talent, and they post weekly videos on youtube

Nobby_McDonald · November 5, 2018

Welcome back TFC. Great show as always.

Beejus · November 5, 2018

Good to see an update here, and what an update it was! Plans are really coming together toward Starrcade now, with two matches feeling pretty firmly set in stone. I look forward to your next shows!

Neoteros · November 6, 2018

Whether it's Goldust or the Unnatural, Dustin Rhodes has turned playing weird gimmicks into an art form, but Rey deserved the win.

K-Nection · November 6, 2018

You book The Unnatural like Bray Wyatt should've been booked all along. Sorry for flaking on the poster. I'm working so much I just can't bring myself to do them. Your booking is unmatched on this board my friend.

franticloser · November 7, 2018

Welcome back, this show was totally worth the wait, and I cannot wait for more.

The Final Countdown · November 8, 2018

Halloween Havoc Wrap-up, Hall of Champions and Prediction Standings <div style="text-align:center;">http://i.imgur.com/nUYCk9q.jpg </div> Halloween Havoc was a resounding success for us. The Observer was quick to call it not just the best show of the year so far, but one of the best ever. It was the first show in our history to score a perfect 100 rating, which is a great feeling. We had a very positive post-show meeting where I praised Steve Austin and Mortis for their tremendous performances and led a round of applause for team player Jamie Knoble, who went along with a last-minute change in the Cruiserweight title match without complaint. I also gave a nod to Sting, who I'd seen giving young Johnny Parisi pointers on babyface performance earlier in the day. Unfortunately I'd be giving Sting a very different look hours later, when I received word that our medical staff determined he had an issue with pain killers. I wanted to send him to rehab but didn't have that option since he's not under written contract with us any more, so all I could really do was fine him. He wasn't happy about that, and neither was Parisi. An unfortunate situation all the way around. Down in our developmental territory, I've been told Nigel McGuinness has added a lot of muscle mass to his frame, to the point he's now classified as a middleweight. This has brought a decent gain to his star quality, though it's still doubtful he'll ever be among our best in that area. -"When are you gonna give me and Chris (Harris) a shot? We can be a great team for you, but you've gotta stop booking us like job guys." -James Storm -"Paul London impresses me more every time I see him work. He's going to be great, and soon." -CM Punk -"Why do you keep booking that Paul Germany kid? He ain't got what it takes to make the people give a crap about what he does!" -Scott Steiner <div style="text-align:center;">http://i.imgur.com/7AiYO6E.jpg </div> WWE ran their Anarchy Rulz show head to head against us. It was technically an ECW-branded show, but WWE guys freely appeared on it as well with no rhyme or reason so I'm not sure what the point was. The Rock retained the WWE World title against Undertaker in an excellent main event (94), but the match of the night was the semi main where Kurt Angle defended the ECW title against Chuck Palumbo. That was a great match (98), though our top two from Halloween Havoc were better. The other noteworthy thing from the show was Brock Lesnar winning the ECW TV title in a three way against defending champion Al Snow and Albert, so I guess they didn't lose faith in him after all even though he dropped the Intercontinental belt to X-Pac last month. The show as a whole was good enough to get a 92 rating from the Observer. That's strong, but head to head against Halloween Havoc and its 100 score, we all know who had the better night! <hr noshade size=3> <div style="text-align:center;">Hall of Champions:</div> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="u9bsFuK.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/u9bsFuK.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> NITRO BRAND World Heavyweight Champion: http://i.imgur.com/haJKoFv.jpg The Unnatural http://i.imgur.com/fn8zdsQ.jpg Won: June 15th, 2003 in a triple threat match against Rey Mysterio Jr. and Eddie Guerrero at Great American Bash in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Previous Champions (since March 2001): Rey Mysterio Jr.: December 29th, 2002-June 15th, 2003 (168 days) Booker T (#5): May 19th, 2002-December 29th, 2002 (224 days) Rob Van Dam: December 30th, 2001-May 19th, 2002 (140 days) Scott Steiner (#2): July 15th, 2001-December 30th, 2001 (168 days) Booker T (#4): March 26th, 2001-July 15th, 2001 (111 days) United States Heavyweight Champion: http://i.imgur.com/mitTbCm.jpg Rob Van Dam <img alt="P2oAF93.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/P2oAF93.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> Won: September 21st, 2003 from AJ Styles at War Games in Houston, Texas Previous Champions (since March 2001): AJ Styles: December 29th, 2002-September 21st, 2003 (266 days) Shane Douglas (#2): April 1st, 2002-December 29th, 2002 (272 days) Rey Misterio Jr (#2): October 14th, 2001-April 1st, 2002 (169 days) Kanyon: August 5th, 2001-October 14th, 2001 (70 days) Rey Misterio Jr: May 13th, 2001-August 5th, 2001 (85 days) Booker T: March 18th, 2001-April 30th, 2001 (44 days) Cruiserweight Champion: http://i.imgur.com/u0cJ04Z.jpg Chavo Guerrero Jr. (#3) <img alt="0qRNVUJ.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/0qRNVUJ.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> Won: October 19th, 2003 in a triple threat match against Jamie Knoble and Hayabusa at Halloween Havoc in Fresno, California Previous Champions (since March 2001): Jamie Knoble: September 21st, 2003-October 19th, 2003 (28 days) Bryan Danielson (#2): April 20th, 2003-September 21st, 2003 (154 days) Christopher Daniels: September 22nd, 2002-April 20th, 2003 (210 days) American Dragon: August 11th, 2002-September 22nd, 2002 (42 days) AJ Styles: April 21st, 2002-August 11th, 2002 (112 days) TAKA: December 30th, 2001-April 21st, 2002 (112 days) Jushin Liger: August 5th, 2001-December 30th, 2001 (147 days) Shane Helms: March 18th, 2001-August 5th, 2001 (140 days) World Television Champion: <img alt="rrRBDgP.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/rrRBDgP.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> Matt Hardy <img alt="bH5oivJ.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/bH5oivJ.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> Won: October 19th, 2003 from Bobby Roode at Halloween Havoc in Fresno, California Previous Champions (since July 2002): Bobby Roode: August 24th, 2003-October 19th, 2003 (56 days) ((O'Haire reached the maximum fifteen title defenses, thus vacating the title on 7/21/03 and earning a World Heavyweight Championship match)) Sean O'Haire: January 26th, 2003-July 21st, 2003 (176 days) Fit Finlay (#2): July 29th, 2002-January 26th, 2003 (181 days) World Tag Team Champions: http://i.imgur.com/S0cu0uO.jpg The Unbound (Mortis and Alexander) (#1 as a team, #3 for Mortis, #2 for Alexander) <img alt="CsQnr5C.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/CsQnr5C.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />http://i.imgur.com/ptxupoY.jpg Won: August 24th, 2003 from Christopher Daniels and Brian Adams and True Heroes in a three way at the Japan Supershow in Tokyo, Japan Previous Champions (since March 2001): Christopher Daniels and Brian Adams (#3 for Adams): June 15th, 2003-August 24th, 2003 (70 days) The Hardys (Matt Hardy and Jeff Hardy) (#2): December 29th, 2002-June 15th, 2003 (168 days) True Heroes (Lance Storm and CM Punk) (#2): October 27th, 2002-December 29th, 2002 (63 days) The Hardys (Matt Hardy and Jeff Hardy): July 14th, 2002-October 27th, 2002 (105 days) True Heroes (Lance Storm and CM Punk): December 30th, 2001-July 14th, 2002 (196 days) The Natural Born Thrillers (Chuck Palumbo and Sean O'Haire): January 14th, 2001-December 30th, 2001 (351 days) ANNUAL CHAMPIONSHIPS: Mayhem Battle Royal (held every May): <img alt="DZfKm2b.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/DZfKm2b.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> 2003: Eddie Guerrero 2002: Diamond Dallas Page Stu Hart Classic Tournament (held every November): <img alt="1qogKhQ.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/1qogKhQ.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> 2002: Rey Mysterio Jr. 2001: Rob Van Dam </div></div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">The Ultimate Fan Series 2003: Satyr's Hopeful Few, managed by Satyr24 (Mortis, The Unnatural, Alexander, Christopher Daniels and Melissa Anderson) 2002: The Agents of Chaos, managed by Beejus Pilgrim (Scott Steiner, Rick Steiner, Mark Jindrak and Dustin Rhodes) 2001: The K-Nections, managed by Kevin Gaines (Booker T, Sting, AJ Styles and Alex Wright) 1989? Championship Pedigree, managed by Bernie Klein (Hulk Hogan, Ted DiBiase, Tito Santana, Robert Gibson and The Rougeau Brothers) </div></div></blockquote> <hr noshade size=3> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Prediction Score (out of a possible 14 points): Forrest01: 11 michgcs: 10 Danny_H22: 10 Rateddc: 10 The Pitbull: 10 Uncrewed: 9 Dead_Jester: 9 JMike: 9 DHK1989: 9 James The Animator: 9 cbacon87: 9 Beejus: 9 Satyr24: 9 Theheel: 9 GingeyOne: 9 Cro Cop Rules: 9 ThorJ: 9 Happy0wns: 8 franticloser: 8 123Kidd: 8 Kijar: 8 Wolfman84: 8 K-Nection: 8 tg01: 8 2Sweet: 7 DGenerationMC: 7 Warhawk8492: 7 kinnikuniverse: 7 chrismday: 7 NathanielKern: 7 Nobby_McDonald: 7 DavidCorperial: 6 evileddie10: 6 bonnie: 6 crackerjack: 6 deanohbk: 6 </div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Standings in UFS prediction contest after 6 shows: Dead_Jester: 58 Rateddc: 54 cbacon87: 53 evileddie10: 51 Happy0wns: 51 JMike: 51 Uncrewed: 50 Cro Cop Rules: 50 GingeyOne: 49 deanohbk: 48 K-Nection: 48 DHK1989: 48 James The Animator: 48 DavidCorperial: 47 Satyr24: 47 Theheel: 47 crackerjack: 45 chrismday: 45 Wolfman84: 45 Kijar: 45 Warhawk8492: 44 DGenerationMC: 43 Danny_H22: 43 bonnie: 42 jscotty: 41 Beejus: 40 kinnikuniverse: 38 michgcs: 38 Texasrangers13: 28 The Lariat: 36 123Kidd: 34 Nobby_McDonald: 32 Smasher1311: 30 ThorJ: 28 CobheadJake: 20 KnowYourEnemy: 19 Ian carlisle: 18 franticloser: 18 smw88: 17 ElectricX: 16 2Sweet: 16 Chaos Zarak: 15 Forrest01: 11 Chaossy: 10 The Pitbull: 10 Destiny: 8 tg01: 8 The Lloyd: 7 RKOwnage: 7 NathanielKern: 7 Mr. Jones: 6 Bluestillidie00: 6 </div></blockquote> <hr noshade size=3> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="kinnikuniverse" data-cite="kinnikuniverse" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div> MANTAUR HAS BEEN SLAIN!! by Marc mero... How old is he in 2003??? Is Jarrett unable to put the title on sydal? What's his booking skills and preferences?</div></blockquote> Mero is 43. I don't think there's anything preventing Jarrett or head booker Russo from putting the title on Sydal. They booked him to win the NWA title on a TNA show, after all. <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="kinnikuniverse" data-cite="kinnikuniverse" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Hey, TFC, i recently researched TNA's world X cup, and I thought that was a brilliant idea! Maybe with WCW, you could organise a world cup of professional wrestling at some point in the future, with nations being represented by both WCW wrestlers, wrestlers from affiliated promotions and wrestlers hired for the world cup just to fill up the numbers. Let me know what you think! Can't wait for the show to be uploaded!</div></blockquote> I remember the X Cup well. I was pretty into TNA at that time, and I thought the X Cup was cool. I did a country-based tournament like that in my old ROH diary. The big reason I haven't done one here is I feel like it would be tournament overload to throw in something else of that size when I've already got the UFS and Stu Hart Classic. <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="Neoteros" data-cite="Neoteros" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>I devoured this diary over the last few days, it's quite well done. <img alt=":p" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/tongue.png.ceb643b2956793497cef30b0e944be28.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> I'm glad about how WCW has bounced back, less so about how every single company in Japan is going under - I suppose that with WWE losing ground in the West, they looked for a new market in the East. How's John Cena doing? Without him, I wonder who will Vince try to push as the face of the company in the future, since his top stars all peaked a few years ago in game, and you signed most of the young male and female talent. Don't sign Cena though, he doesn't fit your WCW.</div></blockquote> My advantage over WWE is probably bigger in Japan than it is in the US, so no dice for Vince there! I agree that Cena doesn't fit in my WCW product, which is why I signed him to a developmental deal with WWE during one of the periods where they were temporarily under human control (so either when I set up the brand split, or had someone else guest book one of their big PPVs.) I did the same thing with Mr. Anderson/Keneddy and Khali, who I had no interest in but have qualities that appeal to Vince McMahon. <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="kinnikuniverse" data-cite="kinnikuniverse" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Don't worry, TFC, we'll make sure this diary doesn't get bumped! It's too good to be left alone! On another note, I think you should keep a close eye on Austin Aries. What he did at bound for glory was simply irredeemable! Not even Hogan would ruin a match like that! WTF happened to the Aries I knew from ROH?</div></blockquote> I have a general idea of that BFG incident but don't know all the details, since I haven't watched TNA in years and didn't really care enough to look into the story. All I can say is that Aries has long had a reputation of being difficult to work with and usually seems to leave promotions on bad terms. <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="K-Nection" data-cite="K-Nection" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>You book The Unnatural like Bray Wyatt should've been booked all along. Sorry for flaking on the poster. I'm working so much I just can't bring myself to do them. Your booking is unmatched on this board my friend.</div></blockquote> It's a pretty good comparison. No apologies necessary for not producing a poster! I know all about work sapping the motivation to spend any time on this. I don't want you stressing out about this, so please only whip something up if and when you have the time and motivation to do so. <img alt=":D" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/biggrin.png.929299b4c121f473b0026f3d6e74d189.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />

K-Nection · November 11, 2018

Did you notice your photobucket pics are back with a dumb looking watermark

The Final Countdown · December 2, 2018

October Renaissance Update, News and November National Battle Report <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">October 23rd, 2003 Tokyo, Japan</div> The translator gave me a nod, indicating that everything was in order and the terms had been agreed to. Satisfied, I reached across the table to shake the hand of The Great Sasuke. I knew Sasuke was disappointed about having to sell the company he founded a decade ago, but the cold hard truth is that Michinoku Pro was a sinking ship. They usually put on shows of a fairly high quality for their size, and even drew decent crowds in the Tohoku region of Japan which served as their base. The problem came during their tour stops elsewhere in the country, where they frequently drew attendance in the low hundreds and sometimes even dipped into double digit crowd figures. Considering a good number of their roster was under written contracts, they just couldn't sustain that financially. Sasuke knew it, and that's why he agreed to sell to me. What do we get in exchange for eating Michinoku Pro's debt? The handful of contracts I chose to take on, basically. Sasuke is obviously included in that, and he'll be debuting straight on the main roster, bringing the UWA World Welterweight title with him. I chose not to bother with the company's two other titles because I simply saw no use for them. There are three other wrestlers previously under written deal with Michinoku that are now part of WCW. Samoa Joe was my top target of the bunch, and someone I've had my eye on for a long time. He's an excellent brawler, a good technical wrestler and has a good menacing look. At 24 years old, he's someone I see as a main event player in WCW's future. 22 year old Irishman Fergal Devitt is part of the deal as well. He might not be tabbed as a no-brainer superstar like Joe is, but he's a very good flyer, a solid technician, can do a bit of brawling and has a decent look as well, so he may have a bright future of his own. The other wrestler I've acquired, and the only native Japanese of the young trio, is Daisuke Sekimoto. Sekimoto, 22 just like Devitt, is in many respects a lesser version of Joe at this point in that their strengths are similar, but Joe is at a higher tier in most or all of them. Unlike Sasuke, the other three will all begin in Wildside so they can hopefully get more comfortable speaking on the microphone (or in Sekimoto's case, working on his English.) I doubt any of them will be down there for an overly long time though. There were a few other names I considered bringing in as part of the deal but passed on for various reasons. Dick Togo could've been a solid addition, but I didn't feel a pressing need to add him with how loaded we already are. Naruki Doi is a talented young athlete that I had interest in for the cruiserweight division, but he still has lots of rehabilitation left on his way back from a broken neck. As for Naoya Ogawa and Yoshihiro Takayama, both are still active in mixed martial arts and we would've had to work around their training/fighting schedule, which I didn't feel would be worth it. I also accepted the contract of referee Hideki Kobayashi, who will serve as the new "B" ref on Renaissance and lighten Charles Robinson's workload.</div></blockquote> <hr noshade size=3> <div style="text-align:center;">http://i.imgur.com/2aDyraK.png</div> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">October 2003 Update</div> -Manami Toyota and Grand Prix tournament winner Akira Hokuto had a face to face in-ring meeting on the October 11th Renaissance. Hokuto said it would be her pleasure to welcome WCW to the age of darkness when she took the title away from the golden girl, but suggested that if Toyota truly wishes to be a fighting champion and truly wants to dispel the darkness, she should defend her title against the other members of The Darkness first. Manami agreed, and up first was LuFisto on October 25th. It was a great match, but Toyota retained in the end. -Aja Kong and Devil Masami (now collectively known as 'Devil Kong') wondered who would be foolish enough to step up and think they could take their tag titles away, only to surely fail. We got our answer on October 18th when Our Generation knocked off Etsuko Mita and her bodyguard Kaoru Ito in a #1 contender's match, but the champions didn't look the least bit intimidated or impressed as they mocked their next challengers after the match. They also surrounded Melissa following her singles match on the 25th. Nattie ran in for the save, and Devil Kong walked away laughing. -Wesna Busic thoroughly shed her former enhancement talent status by attacking and laying out Chigusa Nagayo on the October 18th Renaissance. She also destroyed a departing Lisa Moretti on the 25th, after which Chigusa cut a promo where she said she didn't know or care what Busic was doing or why. She was going to be put in her place when Chigua got her hands on her. </div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">Show Summaries: 10/11: <img alt="7WlWRzE.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/7WlWRzE.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> Notes from this show: -Lisa Moretti was furious about putting over Mariko in her debut, but I ignored her. Unfortunately Mariko wasn't at her best; maybe she was nervous? -Busic and Apache had great chemistry during their squash. 10/18: <img alt="QTQf5Zs.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/QTQf5Zs.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> Notes from this show: -Toshiyo Yamada entertained the girls before the show with some light-hearted stories about herself and Manami Toyota in their AJW days. 10/25: <img alt="rQhYogZ.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/rQhYogZ.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> Notes from this show: -Moretti threw a tantrum about being asked to put Yoshida over yet again, but she was told to suck it up and do her job. This was her final night with us anyway. I don't know if she thought she was going to be a featured star or what, but the plan was always for her to come in and put our faces over for a few months, giving whatever rub she could as a former WWE wrestler. -Great Sasuke's on-air debut where the two of us announced the purchase of M-Pro was a great segment, and I've been told his Martial Artist gimmick got an above average initial reception on the message boards from our fans who weren't familiar with him. -The main event between Toyota and LuFisto was great, bar one very scary moment where LuFisto nearly dropped Manami on her head with a poorly executed suplex. Our champion and star of the brand thankfully was unhurt, but she was not at all happy with her opponent afterwards. </div></div></blockquote> <hr noshade size=3> <div style="text-align:center;"> http://i.imgur.com/sDkxtEI.jpg </div> New Japan has again risen to national recognition in Japan. I honestly think that's bad news for them, because they still aren't in any position to compete with us or Vince. They'll probably be bumped back down again before long, continuing this unfortunate trend they've been on. <div style="text-align:center;">http://i.imgur.com/nUYCk9q.jpg </div> Kenny Omega is someone we've been extremely high on for years, and we've finally decided to pull the trigger on signing him to a developmental contract. I was in a bit of an odd position since he's been working for Stampede, owned by my brother Bruce and booked by my brother Ross. If they were running more regularly I would've been content to let Kenny stay with them for awhile longer, but they only put on one show a month. Kenny needs regular work if he's going to fulfill the potential we see in him, and he can get that work in Wildside. Some of my talent scouts have been raving about the potential of a 16-year old Irish girl named Rebecca Knox, but said that with the current state of women's wrestling over there she wasn't going to get many opportunities to improve. Based on their recommendations, I decided to sign her to a developmental contract and send her to 5SSW, where she'll get plenty of chances to work with quality opponents and hone her craft. Maybe one day she can be an impact player on Renaissance. <div style="text-align:center;"> http://i.imgur.com/HLY8nvy.jpg </div> NOAH held their 'Demolition of Ancients' PPV on October 24th. The final two matches of the show saw Mitsuharu Misawa beat Akira Taue, and then Jun Akiyama making his first defense of the GHC Heavyweight title against Masao Inoue. Both of those matches stood above the rest of the show with identical ratings (89), and led to an 87 overall for the show. Not as good as last month's Departure event, but still one of their stronger big shows of 2003. Also of note from this show was the masked Black Warrior beating inaugural TV Champion Daisuke Ikeda to become the second holder of NOAH's newest title. <div style="text-align:center;">http://i.imgur.com/7AiYO6E.jpg </div> They've paired original ECW alums Tommy Dreamer and Steven Richards together as a team under the name Hardcore Soldiers. <div style="text-align:center;">http://i.imgur.com/JO5PDMM.jpg </div> Apparently they plan on booking Evan Karagis on upcoming events. I'm happy for him and hope he does well there. <hr noshade size=3> <div style="text-align:center;">National Battle Report: November 2003</div> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="ebDwXEW.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/ebDwXEW.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> USA</div> #1: <img alt="nUYCk9q.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/nUYCk9q.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> World Championship Wrestling Top 5 Stars: 1) Steve Austin (1000 points) 2) Bill Goldberg (990) 3) CM Punk (803) 4) Rey Mysterio Jr. (779) 5) Rob Van Dam (769) Total Points: 4,341 #2: <img alt="7AiYO6E.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/7AiYO6E.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> World Wrestling Entertainment Top 5 Stars: 1) The Rock (999 points) 2) Hollywood Hogan (827) 3) The Undertaker (809) 4) Triple H (790) 5) Big Show (742) Total Points: 4,167 </div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="ieBLbQ1.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/ieBLbQ1.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> British Isles</div> #1: <img alt="nUYCk9q.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/nUYCk9q.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> World Championship Wrestling Top 5 Stars: 1) Steve Austin (1000 points) 2) Bill Goldberg (990) 3) Rey Mysterio Jr. (770) 4) Rob Van Dam (760) 5) CM Punk (756) Total Points: 4,276 #2: <img alt="7AiYO6E.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/7AiYO6E.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> World Wrestling Entertainment Top 5 Stars: 1) The Rock (998 points) 2) Hollywood Hogan (858) 3) The Undertaker (808) 4) Triple H (790) 5) Big Show (741) Total Points: 4,195</div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="1eeVS9d.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/1eeVS9d.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> Japan</div> #1: <img alt="nUYCk9q.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/nUYCk9q.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> World Championship Wrestling Top 5 Stars: 1) Steve Austin (1000 points) 2) Bill Goldberg (990) 3) CM Punk (813) 4) Rey Mysterio Jr. (786) 5) Rob Van Dam (772) Total Points: 4,361 #2: <img alt="7AiYO6E.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/7AiYO6E.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> World Wrestling Entertainment Top 5 Stars: 1) The Rock (1000 points) 2) Hollywood Hogan (818) 3) The Undertaker (808) 4) Triple H (791) 5) Big Show (741) Total Points: 4,158</div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="mUExTtD.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/mUExTtD.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> Europe</div> #1: <img alt="nUYCk9q.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/nUYCk9q.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> World Championship Wrestling Top 5 Stars: 1) Steve Austin (1000 points) 2) Bill Goldberg (939) 3) CM Punk (773) 4) Rob Van Dam (747) 5) Rey Mysterio Jr. (744) Total Points: 4,203 #2: <img alt="7AiYO6E.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/7AiYO6E.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> World Wrestling Entertainment Top 5 Stars: 1) The Rock (999 points) 2) Hollywood Hogan (827) 3) The Undertaker (808) 4) Triple H (791) 5) Big Show (741) Total Points: 4,166</div></blockquote> <hr noshade size=3> Hey look, another post! Some of my other commitments are out of the way, so I have a bit more time to work on this now. Work is still busy, but that should calm down at least somewhat once the holidays are done. I'm pretty motivated to work on this right now, so hopefully it won't take TOO long to get through the remaining three weeks of TV and post the preview for Calgary Stampede. <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="K-Nection" data-cite="K-Nection" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Did you notice your photobucket pics are back with a dumb looking watermark <img alt=":p" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/tongue.png.ceb643b2956793497cef30b0e944be28.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div></blockquote> Yep, I saw that. The watermark looks silly, but I guess it's better than everything being broken. Especially in my original ROH diary and TGAAB, because there was no way I was going to go back in and fix those links.

JMike · December 3, 2018

For some reason I had a dream about this save, where you several characters from this anime game I've been playing recently as road agents or personalities. Once I woke up, I actually tried to reply to this very thread saying "hey that's cool" but then I double checked the thread and it was fake, thank god.

In an actual note that makes sense, M-Pro always dies in these saves once they get to cult, and they always have a bunch of guys that are great to sign. Sasuke in particular always gets the sick ratings. Didn't you say you might resign Jinsei if M-Pro died?

The Final Countdown · December 11, 2018

November 2003: Road to Calgary Stampede <div style="text-align:center;">http://i.imgur.com/WiYIFgR.jpg The Backstories:</div> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">Stu Hart Classic: And Then There Were Two</div> We had four weeks of TV between Halloween Havoc and the Calgary Stampede. Every one featured Stu Hart Classic matches, getting us down to our final two. 10/20: -Despite being distracted by Father Isaac observing from the aisle, Jeff Hardy won an action-packed second round match against Kidman. -The power of Scott Steiner was too much for the speed of Kaz Hayashi, who tapped out to the Steiner Recliner. -Their styles didn't mesh as opponents, but a Jackhammer gave Goldberg the win over new TV Champion Matt Hardy and sent him to the Quarterfinals. -CM Punk defeated Bryan Danielson in a lengthy main event to wrap up the second round. 11/3: All four Quarterfinal matches took place here. -Sean O'Haire powered his way through the skills and tricks of Christopher Daniels, pinning the Fallen Angel after the Widow Maker. -Paul Heyman had a ringside seat for the next match, and he got a great laugh on commentary as CM Punk defeated Scott Steiner. -All kinds of shenanigans went down in the match between Jeff Hardy and Goldberg. King Corino was in Goldberg's corner, and he deliberately caused a ref bump so he could interfere on Goldberg's behalf. But just when things seemed bleakest, Steve Austin came in through the crowd dressed as a beer salesman (more on that later), threw the beer in Corino's face and dropped Goldberg with a Stunner! When the dust settled, Jeff Hardy had pulled off the upset! -Lance Storm and AJ Styles took the ring for another clinic in our main event, with the Styles Clash sending AJ into the Semifinals against Sean O'Haire. 11/10: Our first Semifinal match was AJ Styles against Sean O'Haire. It was a very good match despite its all-babyface setup, with Styles impressing with his speed and O'Haire executing good power offense while also using his athleticism to do an admirable job of keeping up with his smaller opponent. Unfortunately, the match was destined to become mired in controversy. <div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="P2oAF93.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/P2oAF93.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="0exeVr7.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/0exeVr7.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div> Paul Heyman walked down the aisle to distract referee Nick Patrick, and that allowed Rob Van Dam to blindside Styles with a flying martial arts kick off the top rope. He gave a nod to O'Haire before hopping over the top rope. O'Haire returned it, then finished a dazed AJ off with the Widow Maker to "earn" a spot in the Finals. RVD and Heyman entered the ring after the match, and Shane Douglas joined them as well. Heyman and O'Haire hugged, signifying that this wasn't just a random act that O'Haire took advantage of, but a plan between them. Heyman grabbed the microphone to explain all. <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Paul Heyman, 11/10/03 "Ladies and gentlemen, while in later years I've come to be associated with a certain Extreme wrestling promotion that is currently being bastardized on ABC, before that I made a lot of money and had a lot of success building a faction from the ground up. In that faction I had a blend of the best wrestlers in the world at that time, and the best in the future. It wasn't enough for me to acquire the services of the likes of "Ravishing" Rick Rude and "The Enforcer" Arn Anderson. No, I wanted to showcase a man who would lead professional wrestling into the next millennium. And the man I chose, the man I tabbed as the future of wrestling? You might have heard of him--his name is Steve Austin, and a few short years later he became perhaps the biggest star in the history of this business! "And what do I have assembled before me right now? I have Rob Van Dam and Shane Douglas, a pair of former World Champions who are still in their athletic prime! And now I have the next "big thing", the next superstar, the future World Champion. Sean O'Haire's potential is limitless, and now that he has me in his corner nothing will stop him from realizing it! In thirteen days he will defeat either CM Punk or Jeff Hardy to win the Stu Hart Classic, and on December 28th at Starrcade he will become the NEW World Heavyweight Champion! But tonight, he's formally welcomed alongside Rob Van Dam and Shane Douglas as a member of the once and future most dominant entity in all of WCW--THE DANGEROUS ALLIANCE!"</div></blockquote> 11/17: The second Semifinal match was between a pair of old rivals in Jeff Hardy and CM Punk, who last year headlined Starrcade on opposing ends of a tag team title ladder match and now looked to break through into the singles picture. They had an excellent back and forth match, but unfortunately it was marred by outside involvement just like the first Semifinal. Both Jeff Hardy and referee Nick Patrick were distracted by The Unnatural and Father Isaac showing up in the aisle, but Jeff was confused when rather than attacking him, Unnatural clapped his hands and waved him on in some bizarre form of encouragement. While that was happening, Mortis snuck in from the back side and blasted CM Punk with the Flatliner. He was gone as soon as he'd entered, with Jeff having been none the wiser. Once he turned around, he looked a bit surprised that Punk was still flat on his back from the Whisper in the Wind he'd hit earlier, but didn't pass up the opportunity to go up top and land the Swanton Bomb to move on to the Finals. At the end of it all, we were left with two men from our original field of 32: Sean O'Haire and Jeff Hardy. </div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">Honoring Our Forefathers</div> As Salvation was cutting a promo following a successful eight man tag on the 10/20 Nitro, they were surprised by Harry Smith interrupting. The surprise only increased when Harry revealed the reason for his interruption: to challenge The Unnatural to a match for the World Heavyweight Championship! He freely admitted that he hadn't truly worked his way up the ladder to become a legitimately deserving contender, but said that he felt like he'd let his entire family down by losing in the first round of the tournament named after his grandfather, the Stu Hart Classic. He wanted to make them all proud when he went home for the Calgary Stampede, and since he couldn't do that by winning the tournament, the only option he had left was to ignore all the rules about "paying your dues" and "working your way up", and go straight for the top man! The Unnatural was quick to respond. <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>The Unnatural, 10/20/03 "I admire your spirit, young Harry, but your ambition exceeds your capability. You are an unpolished diamond. Yes, you are an athletic specimen just like your father, and you do seem to be a...'natural', pardon the pun. You remind me of a young man named Dustin Rhodes who walked the same road you're currently on, a decade or so ago. Just like you, he had a famous forefather he wanted to honor and big shoes to try and fill, and just like you, he thought it would all just come with a snap of the fingers. He was wrong. That young pup was nowhere near prepared for the burdens of success, and neither are you. I will spare you a painful lesson by refusing your challenge. Maybe one day you will find your own form of 'salvation' and achieve all that you desire, but attempting to do so now would end only in heartbreak for you."</div></blockquote> Harry pled his case to Arn Anderson next, but Double A agreed with Unnatural's assessment that Harry simply hadn't earned his way into being deserving of world title consideration. When Harry asked him who would be getting the shot at Calgary Stampede instead, Arn revealed that they were planning on giving Unnatural the night off so the focus could be on the finals of the Stu Hart Classic. Harry wasn't happy to hear that, and he left the office with a dejected expression on his face. Desperate times call for desperate measures. On 11/10, The Unnatural was backstage cutting a promo about the Stu Hart Classic when Harry attacked him out of nowhere, capping it off with a running powerslam on the floor! Far from being angry at the attack, Unnatural was actually impressed with Harry's initiative and spirit, saying he'd shown a single-minded ruthlessness that "the immature boy known as Dustin Rhodes" had lacked at this point in his career. He requested a meeting with Harry and Arn Anderson on the 17th, during which he said he would be willing to give up his planned night off and defend the title against young Smith at Calgary Stampede, but only if Harry could beat The Destroyer that night on Nitro. Harry was tossed around the ring for the majority of the match, but he managed to take advantage of a momentary lapse and hit the running powerslam to score the upset and earn himself an improbable shot at the World Heavyweight Championship. </div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">Next and Last</div> After beating King Corino at Halloween Havoc, Steve Austin came out the next night to issue a challenge. <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Steve Austin, 10/20/03 I've done exactly what I said I was gonna do months ago, back when ol' Uncle Eric was still in charge. I've torn your damn Empire down, brick by brick. I've gone through every single SOB you can throw at me, Corino, even bastards who ain't even in WCW anymore! And last night, I stomped a mudhole in you too! And now there's only one thing left. Give me the match I've wanted since April. Give me the match the whole damn world has wanted since 1998. Goldberg, you like to ask 'who's next'? Well you're lookin' at him son, because on my list, you're 'next and last!'" </div></blockquote> The crowd erupted when Goldberg emerged from the back, looking ready to rip someone's head off. But Corino ran down to cut him off before he could make it to the ring. He and Goldberg had a shouting match, but Corino pulled out Bill's contract (which is a personal contract with Corino, "inherited" from Bischoff, rather than a regular WCW employee contract.) He reminded Bill that his career was in his hands, and he would make life hell for him if he didn't go to the back right now and prepare for his Stu Hart Classic match later in the night. Goldberg glowered at Corino but followed his orders, reluctantly walking back behind the curtain as the crowd booed. That wasn't all for the night though, as before leaving the building Austin said that no matter what Corino said, he was going to get his hands on Goldberg sooner or later and they were going to settle this! Corino was waiting for Austin when he arrived on 11/3, and let it be known that he wasn't stupid. He knew Austin would try something during Goldberg's Stu Hart Classic match with Jeff Hardy, something that would piss Bill off enough to get him to do something stupid. Corino was too smart to fall for it though, so he was going to have the entire Empire watching to make sure Austin couldn't take one step through that curtain while Goldberg handled business. Sure enough, Corino left the entire force of the group guarding the only path from backstage to ringside while he personally accompanied Goldberg to the ring for his match. But he'd neglected to consider less conventional routes from the building and into the seats, which Austin exploited by sneaking through the crowd disguised as a beer vendor! He helped Jeff Hardy fend off a 2-on-1 assault, dropped Goldberg with a Stunner and played an instrumental role in getting "The Man" knocked out of the tournament! On 11/10 Austin again called Goldberg out, now sure that he'd pissed him off enough to force the issue. But it was Corino, not Goldberg, who answered the call. He begrudgingly gave Austin credit for outsmarting him and finding a way in to screw Goldberg out of the Stu Hart Classic, and admitted that his actions had worked exactly as intended and had Bill ready to tear his head off. For that reason, he'd given Bill some time off to cool his head, and he wasn't going to bring him back until he was rational enough to follow orders again. So he wouldn't be out to answer Austin's challenge that night, or any other night! In stepped Roddy Piper, who approached Austin backstage on the 17th and invited both him and the absent Goldberg to an episode of Piper's Pit during Calgary Stampede. Austin said he'd be more than happy to show up and drink a few beers with Roddy, so he'd be there--but he doubted Corino would let his "mindless little attack dog" Goldberg out of his cage long enough to make the trip to Calgary! </div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">It's Your Fault!</div> The post-Havoc Nitro opened with a clip taken just after the PPV, where Becky Bayless tried to get answers from Eddie Guerrero on why he attacked his best friend Rey Mysterio Jr. with a steel chair during his title match against The Unnatural. Eddie brushed her off and said he'd tell everyone everything they want to hear, but he'd do it on his schedule, not hers. His schedule didn't include the following night on Nitro because he wasn't there, but Rey was. He was crushed as he came to the ring for an emotional promo, wanting to know why Eddie would do this. But since Eddie wasn't returning his calls, he'd have to wait just like everybody else for when Eddie finally gave his reasons--and when he did, Rey would be close by to hear them. The answers did come on November 3rd when Eddie, still carrying the chair he'd used at Halloween Havoc, cut an in-ring promo where he blamed Rey for everything. <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Eddie Guerrero, 11/3/03 "The whole world saw it, Rey! At War Games I had The Destroyer BEATEN! That title shot was MINE! But then you swooped in and stole it from me, because you're a selfish person and a fake friend! It wasn't me who turned my back on this friendship, it was YOU! All I did at Halloween Havoc was give you exactly what you deserved! When I used this lovely steel chair to bash your head in, that wasn't betrayal. It was JUSTICE, holmes!"</div></blockquote> There was a brief shot of Rey watching Eddie's promo in the back and shaking his head, but we got a more formal response the following week. After an Eddie squash match, Rey confronted him. He called Eddie bitter, accused him of snapping that night at Halloween Havoc as he watched his nephew Chavo win the Cruiserweight title and his friend Rey prepare to regain the World title, and said that he took his anger for his own failings out on him instead of looking in the mirror. With that said, he challenged Eddie to a match, one on one, any time and any place! Eddie said he would be happy to accept the challenge, but only at Starrcade, and only if Rey could win a match at Calgary Stampede against an opponent of Eddie's choosing. Rey accepted those conditions, and Eddie smirked. Moments later Jamie Knoble attacked Rey right in the aisle and trapped him in the guillotine choke until he passed out, with Eddie laughing all the while. He made it clear that Knoble was his choice via special arrangement with King Corino; this was something we teased with a couple of brief segments where Eddie and Corino were seen talking backstage. Rey won a nice little match against Bobby Roode to warm himself up on the go-home show, but he was assaulted in the ring by Knoble and TAKA moments after the bell rang. A Michinoku Driver took the fight out of Rey, and for the second week in a row he was helplessly trapped in Knoble's guillotine choke while officials tried to pull the Virginian off of him. The segment ended with a shot of Eddie and Corino near the curtain, shaking hands and sharing a laugh at a job well done and a successful business transaction. </div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">Freaks, Peaks...and Dragons?</div> With their first title defense in the books, Rob Van Dam and Paul Heyman wondered who would be next up in the US title picture now that Scott Steiner was in the rear view mirror. Steiner disagreed, taking the microphone after his SHC victory over Kaz Hayashi and saying that RVD wasn't finished with him until he said so. Heyman sat in as a guest commentator during Steiner's Quarterfinal match against CM Punk on November 3rd, during which he again stated that he and RVD were finished with Steiner, who had tried and failed to unseat RVD just like he always has. He laughed in amusement when Punk won the match, and that didn't sit well with Steiner. He grabbed Heyman by the jacket and pulled him over the table, intent on beating the hell out of him, and that's when RVD and Shane Douglas ran down from the back to save their manager. The two of them working together were able to overwhelm Steiner, and with a ruffled Heyman urging them on they dished out quite a beating, ending in them lifting Scott up and ramming his head into the ring post. Steiner wanted more the next week, and he and Heyman got into a war of words as Paul said that RVD had no desire to give him yet another wasted title shot. Scott said the title could wait, because all he wanted right now was to beat the hell out of RVD AND Douglas at the same time, and maybe slap Heyman around when he was done! Heyman scoffed, saying that an egomaniac like Steiner would never be able to find someone willing to team with him now that his brother was on the unemployment line. Scott seemed more than willing to fight them both by himself, but it was at that moment that Bryan Danielson arrived. He said that he doubted he'd ever be friends with Scott Steiner, but this would be a big opportunity and his future bookings were wide open now that he was out of the Stu Hart Classic, so he'd be happy to offer his services as a partner. Steiner quickly accepted, not because he was impressed with Danielson but so Heyman couldn't wriggle off the hook. Steiner and Danielson worked together well enough in a warm-up match on the 17th, but the Dangerous Alliance appeared on the video screen afterwards so Heyman could assure them it wouldn't be nearly so easy on Sunday. Danielson and Steiner agreed with Heyman's assessment that they would never be friends, but also agreed that they'd have no trouble working together to take down the DA at Calgary Stampede. </div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">Three Times? Who Cares!</div> New Cruiserweight Champion Chavo Guerrero Jr. was interviewed on the heels of his big victory. He was subdued in discussing his Uncle Eddie's actions at Halloween Havoc, saying that he didn't know what had gotten into him and he wasn't answering his calls. He was much happier when talking about how proud he was to have become a 3-time Cruiserweight titleholder. He talked about the heritage of this belt and the reputation it had built up since its introduction in 1996, and said what an honor it was to join the likes of Rey, Chris Jericho, Kidman and Dean Malenko as men who held the title at least three times. The tribute to the title was interrupted by Brian Kendrick, who told him to shut up before he started gagging. In Brian's words, nobody cared about what Chavo, Mysterio, Jericho or anybody else had done in the past. It was the future that mattered, and it was him, Brian Kendrick, the greatest thing since sliced bread, who would become the greatest Cruiserweight champion of all time! In another interview on 11/3, Chavo revealed that he'd gone to management and gotten them to sign off on a title match between he and Kendrick at Calgary Stampede, so he could find out exactly what "the kid" had to offer. This led to Kendrick telling him to polish the belt real good before the PPV so it would be shiny enough to deserve to be in his possession. Chavo was on color for Kendrick's match on 11/10, and got a good look as Brian scored a nice victory over a top cruiserweight contender in Hayabusa. Chavo admitted to being impressed with what he'd seen, and as he left the table said he was looking forward to the PPV even more now. Promos from both men were aired on the 17th, with Kendrick appearing supremely confident and Chavo eager to show the cocky youngster that he still had lots to learn. </div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">The Stars are Unbound</div> Alexander walked into his singles match on 11/3 with plenty of confidence as 1/2 of the World Tag Team Champions, but suffered a decisive defeat courtesy of Billy Kidman's Shooting Star Press. Kidman's partner Teddy Hart joined Kidman and Torrie Wilson to celebrate the huge win, while in the other corner The Unbound looked stunned. The Shooting Stars opened Nitro the next week with a win over The American Outlaws, after which The Unbound took the stage. Mortis handled most of the talking as he said that last week's setback had been a shock to the system, and they couldn't allow this stain to remain on their own personal Salvation. That's why they'd gone to Arn Anderson and set up a title shot for the Shooting Stars at Calgary Stampede. The new challengers were more than happy about that. Teddy was particularly hyped, saying it was going to be a dream come true to win his first WCW title in Calgary of all places! </div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">Are You Fit to be a Fighting Champion?</div> On 11/3, Matt Hardy held off the technical skills of Minoru Tanaka to make his first successful TV title defense. Afterwards he cut a promo about being a fighting champion who would come to Nitro each and every week to take on anyone who wanted a shot. This brought out Fit Finlay, who reminded Matt that he was a 2-time TV champion, including being the first man to hold the belt after it was reintroduced last year. If Matt wanted to prove that he could measure up as champion, Fit dared him to do so by defeating him. The match took place the following week, but the end result was to neither man's satisfaction. Both fought tooth and nail and didn't back down a bit, but they were still battling when the fifteen minute time limit expired. Matt's third title defense came on the 17th with a win over Konnan, but Finlay ran in afterwards and spiked him with a Tombstone, then demanded another shot at the title. </div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">AJ's Anger</div> I had been planning for Great Sasuke to defend his UWA Welterweight title on the PPV, but by the time the go home show rolled around I didn't think we'd established him to our fanbase enough to avoid any of his potential opponents suffering a hit to their image by putting him over. So I threw together another match on the 17th to take its place. AJ Styles was doing an interview, vowing revenge against Sean O'Haire and the rest of the Dangerous Alliance for screwing him over the previous week, when Shane Helms and his new manager/"life coach" Buff Bagwell walked in and said AJ sounded really angry and needed to relax. Their suggestion was that he go find a "Canadian honey" to kiss. AJ's counterproposal was that he work out his aggression in the ring against Helms, and that's how we set up our 8th match. </div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">Show Summaries: 10/20: <img alt="JbHswJO.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/JbHswJO.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> Notes from this show: -Stacy Keibler and new backstage interviewer Becky Bayless have bonded quickly. I heard them planning a surfing trip when the weather gets warmer here in North America. -He might be a heel now, but Eddie Guerrero is still loved by the boys. He had them rolling with cartoon drawing on the backstage blackboard before the show. He perfectly captured Triple H's nose, I'll give him that. -Sting was discussing babyface psychology with Johnny Parisi before the show. -As I was watching his pre-show match, I was pleased to note that Paul London seems to be more comfortable in his gimmick. -Father Isaac watched Jeff Hardy's match from ringside, smiling and clapping when he won. -CM Punk and Bryan Danielson sadly proved to be a terrible fit together, turning what I'd envisioned as a tremendous match to end the round into a disappointing main event. Punk tried to save the match by calling an audible and shifting to more of a heel mindset midway through, but it only made things worse and threw him off of his game. -RVD and CM Punk were backstage watching the segment where Harry Smith interrupted Salvation, and they both praised the strides Harry has made as a worker and talked about looking forward to seeing how he did wrestling Dustin at the PPV. 11/3: <img alt="SCsQGD6.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/SCsQGD6.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> Notes from this show: -I noticed that Becky Bayless seemed to be growing more comfortable in her gimmick during the Hardy/Finlay promo. -Alexander disagreed with the decision to have him put over Kidman cleanly and decisively, and he let me know about it. That's just too bad. It was required for the storyline to go where I wanted it to. -Sean O'Haire showed some improved aerial skills during his match with Daniels. -Eddie improvised well during his promo, really coming across as believable in his rant against Rey. -Goldberg was even more unhappy than Alexander when he first heard the booking plans that had him losing to Jeff Hardy. In his case it was more understandable, because he is a top drawing card and Jeff is nowhere near his level of mainstream notoriety. He didn't have as much of a problem once I explained how the finish would be booked though. He realized the nature of the finish wouldn't damage him too much, and it was an important development for his storyline with Austin. -Unnatural was awesome during his promo on Jeff, and he looked like a real star. -"Are you serious 'bout givin' Bulldog's kid a title match on the PPV? He's got some muscles, but he ain't no Big Poppa Pump! I know he's your nephew, but ain't nobody payin' to watch him! Give the people what they really want and put me back in the main event!" -Scott Steiner 11/10: <img alt="k8kmLu2.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/k8kmLu2.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> Notes from this show: -Eric Young provided food for the boys before the show. Pretty nice gesture, especially from a job guy we pay on a per date basis. -Hayabusa spent hours before the show trying to find his mask, only to eventually discover that Aguila had hidden it in a freezer. Hayabusa took the prank in good humor and promised Aguila he'd get him back soon. -It's a good thing for Teddy he has Kidman to lean on, because Billy really carried that tag match with the American Outlaws. -Chavo's color commentary during Kendrick's match with Hayabusa was pretty weak. -Judging by the fan reaction, O'Haire's heel turn was a complete success. -I overheard CM Punk and Jeff Hardy chatting about some of the up and coming guys in the company after they finished shooting their angle. Punk was praising the skills of Harry Smith, while Jeff said he didn't know if Paul London was really clicking with the fans. -"Why'd you do that dumb skit with Helms and Buff? That skinny wimp ain't no ladies' man, not like me!" -Scott Steiner 11/17: <img alt="bqYf6ys.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/bqYf6ys.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> Notes from this show: -Ric Flair was working with James Storm on the art of the promo. I doubt James or anyone else will ever be able to talk quite like Ric, but I appreciate the effort. -The Destroyer was protected in his loss to Harry Smith. Harry needed the win to give him a bit of credibility before his title match, but I didn't want to totally sacrifice Destroyer so I let him get lots of offense in. -The timing between Matt Hardy and Konnan was off from the opening bell. That probably isn't a match we should revisit unless it's in a throwaway spot (which, to be fair, is kind of what this was.) -"I ain't gonna blow no smoke up your ass, Bret, but I see money in this Kendrick kid. I know he's still an underneath guy right now, but I think one day he's gonna be so good at flappin' his gums that people will pay good money hoping to watch him get his ass kicked." -Steve Austin </div></div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div> Fan Scorecard: Stu Hart Classic Finals: Jeff Hardy vs. Sean O'Haire World Heavyweight Championship: Harry Smith vs. The Unnatural {©} If Mysterio wins, he gets a match against Eddie Guerrero at Starrcade: Rey Mysterio Jr. vs. Jamie Knoble World Tag Team Championship: The Shooting Stars vs. The Unbound {©} World Television Championship: Fit Finlay vs. Matt Hardy {©} Cruiserweight Championship: Brian Kendrick vs. Chavo Guerrero Jr. {©} "Big Poppa Pump" Scott Steiner and "American Dragon" Bryan Danielson vs. The Dangerous Alliance (RVD & Douglas) "The Phenomenal" AJ Styles vs. "Sugar" Shane Helms What will be match of the night? How many championships will change hands (the Stu Hart Classic doesn't count)? Will Goldberg accept the invitation to show up during Piper's Pit? General diary comments/questions/critiques: </div></blockquote> <hr noshade size=3> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="JMike" data-cite="JMike" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>For some reason I had a dream about this save, where you several characters from this anime game I've been playing recently as road agents or personalities. Once I woke up, I actually tried to reply to this very thread saying "hey that's cool" but then I double checked the thread and it was fake, thank god. In an actual note that makes sense, M-Pro always dies in these saves once they get to cult, and they always have a bunch of guys that are great to sign. Sasuke in particular always gets the sick ratings. Didn't you say you might resign Jinsei if M-Pro died?</div></blockquote> That's an interesting dream. I mean, I DO watch a fair bit of anime, but I doubt you'll ever see Edward Elric or Faye Valentine show up here! <img alt=":D" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/biggrin.png.929299b4c121f473b0026f3d6e74d189.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> I probably did say that, but I decided to leave him out of it since my roster is very full, I didn't have any particular idea for him and he was getting regular bookings with All Japan. He's no longer available for me to sign anyway, but we'll get to that in the next news update. <img alt=";)" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/wink.png.686f06e511ee1fbf6bdc7d82f6831e53.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />

DGenerationMC · December 11, 2018

Stu Hart Classic Finals: Jeff Hardy vs. Sean O'Haire

World Heavyweight Championship: Harry Smith vs. The Unnatural {©}

If Mysterio wins, he gets a match against Eddie Guerrero at Starrcade: Rey Mysterio Jr. vs. Jamie Knoble

World Tag Team Championship: The Shooting Stars vs. The Unbound {©}

World Television Championship: Fit Finlay vs. Matt Hardy {©}

Cruiserweight Championship: Brian Kendrick vs. Chavo Guerrero Jr. {©}

"Big Poppa Pump" Scott Steiner and "American Dragon" Bryan Danielson vs. The Dangerous Alliance (RVD & Douglas)

"The Phenomenal" AJ Styles vs. "Sugar" Shane Helms

What will be match of the night? Stu Hart Classic Finals: Jeff Hardy vs. Sean O'Haire

How many championships will change hands (the Stu Hart Classic doesn't count)? 1

Will Goldberg accept the invitation to show up during Piper's Pit?No, but still manages to sneak attack Austin during the segment.

DHK1989 · December 11, 2018

Stu Hart Classic Finals: Jeff Hardy vs. Sean O'Haire

If Mysterio wins, he gets a match against Eddie Guerrero at Starrcade: Rey Mysterio Jr. vs. Jamie Knoble

"Big Poppa Pump" Scott Steiner and "American Dragon" Bryan Danielson vs. The Dangerous Alliance (RVD & Douglas)

"The Phenomenal" AJ Styles vs. "Sugar" Shane Helms

What will be match of the night? Hardy vs. O'Haire

How many championships will change hands (the Stu Hart Classic doesn't count)? One.

Will Goldberg accept the invitation to show up during Piper's Pit? Yes.

JMike · December 11, 2018

Fan Scorecard:

Stu Hart Classic Finals: Jeff Hardy vs. Sean O'Haire

If Mysterio wins, he gets a match against Eddie Guerrero at Starrcade: Rey Mysterio Jr. vs. Jamie Knoble

"Big Poppa Pump" Scott Steiner and "American Dragon" Bryan Danielson vs. The Dangerous Alliance (RVD & Douglas)

"The Phenomenal" AJ Styles vs. "Sugar" Shane Helms

What will be match of the night? Stu Hart Classic Finals

How many championships will change hands (the Stu Hart Classic doesn't count)? 1

Will Goldberg accept the invitation to show up during Piper's Pit? yeah

General diary comments/questions/critiques: We're back and rolling! I hope

StrongHearts · December 11, 2018

Stu Hart Classic Finals: Jeff Hardy vs. Sean O'Haire

If Mysterio wins, he gets a match against Eddie Guerrero at Starrcade: Rey Mysterio Jr. vs. Jamie Knoble

"Big Poppa Pump" Scott Steiner and "American Dragon" Bryan Danielson vs. The Dangerous Alliance (RVD & Douglas)

"The Phenomenal" AJ Styles vs. "Sugar" Shane Helms

What will be match of the night? Hardy/O'Haire

How many championships will change hands (the Stu Hart Classic doesn't count)? 0

Will Goldberg accept the invitation to show up during Piper's Pit? yes

General diary comments/questions/critiques:

Sign In

WCW: Heart and Soul

Recommended Posts

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Top Posters In This Topic

Popular Days

Top Posters In This Topic

Popular Days

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Join the conversation